Onkyo Bangs Out 4K-ready Home Cinema Systems

Onkyo has released two home theater systems to pander to the mid-range crowd. The biggest highlight of the HT-S6500 and the HT-S7500 models, of course, is their 4K-ready enterprise. Powered by Marvell's Qdeo digital entertainment chip, both models are capable of upscaling lower resolution videos to 1080p, and up to 4K when connected to a 4K-ready display. Onkyo's new releases packs Zone 2 capabilities as well, meaning users are able to enjoy listening or watching different source material in a separate room via the same receiver.

The HT-S6500 is a smaller 5.1-channel package with six HDMI inlets. It also features smaller primary speakers compared to the HT-S7500, although both models share the same subwoofer type. The HT-S7500 is a 7.1-channel home theater system, featuring two floor-standing front speakers, a center channel, and four compact surround satellite speakers. This baby also comes with enhanced spatial effects, credit to Dolby's Pro Logic IIz tuned for front-height channels, and carries seven HDMI inputs. Both systems are driven by an 80 watt-per-channel receiver and TI Burr-Brown 24-bit/192kHz DACs. And yes, the two units are friendly with lossless surround sound formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio too.

Besides featuring Internet radio stations (Last.fm for example) and DLNA support, a supplied USB slot also enables users to plug in an iPhone or optional wireless LAN adapter. Room equalization comes in the form of the Audyssey 2EQ, while remote control apps on the Android and iOS platforms are available as well. The best bit about Onkyo's latest home theater systems, however, has to be their affordable prices. The HT-S6500 and HT-S7500 will be tagged at US$800 and US$900 respectively.